Lexical Summary shelet: shields, quivers, small shields Original Word: שֶׁלֶט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance shield From shalat; probably a shield (as controlling, i.e. Protecting the person) -- shield. see HEBREW shalat NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition perhaps shield NASB Translation quivers (1), shields (5), small shields (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שֶׁ֫לֶט] noun masculine2Samuel 8:7 shield (?); — plural שְׁלָטִים 2 Kings 11:10 +, construct שִׁלְטֵי 2 Samuel 8:7 +; suffix שִׁלְטֵיהֶם Ezekiel 27:11; — shields (so AV RV Thes; al. quivers, or [see especially BarnesExpos. T. x, 43 f. (compare 188)] arms, equipment; Vrss vary; Assyrian šal‰u (see √) seems to be a specific article), 2 Samuel 8:7 = 1 Chronicles 18:7; 2 Kings 11:10 2Chronicles 23:9 (where + מָגִנּוֺת, but) Songs 4:4 apposition of מָגֵן (q. v. below גנן), hung on walls, compare Ezekiel 27:11; ׳מִלְאוּ הַשּׁ Jeremiah 51:11 i.e., perhaps, put arms through thongs, ready to use them (but see Barnesi. with, and Gie, cf, מלא Qal 2). שַׁלָּ֑טֶת see שַׁלִּיט above. Topical Lexicon Overview Shéleṭ denotes a class of shield—often ornate or ceremonial—that still retained full military function. Across its seven appearances, it is linked with royal authority, covenantal stewardship, and the visual proclamation of strength. Role in the United Monarchy When David subdued Hadadezer, “David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem” (2 Samuel 8:7; cf. 1 Chronicles 18:7). These trophies spoke not only of victory but of Yahweh’s supremacy over foreign powers (Psalm 18:35). Crafted of gold, they probably adorned the royal armory, situated near the ark (1 Chronicles 18:7), becoming tangible proof that the Lord “gives victory to His anointed” (Psalm 144:10). Custody of Davidic Shields and Temple Worship Generations later, the priest Jehoiada armed the palace guard with “the spears and shields that had belonged to King David and were in the house of the LORD” (2 Kings 11:10; 2 Chronicles 23:9). The act secured the coronation of Joash and underscored covenant continuity: sacred objects from David’s reign safeguarded David’s heir. Their placement in the temple reveals the seamless link between worship and righteous rule. Poetic Celebration in Song of Solomon In Song of Solomon 4:4 the Bridegroom extols, “Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone, hung with a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.” Shéleṭ, here multiplied, evokes beauty fortified by strength. The bride’s dignity—strong yet graceful—illustrates how covenant love shelters and adorns the beloved (cf. Ephesians 5:25–27). Prophetic Call to Arms Jeremiah rallies the Medes against Babylon: “Sharpen the arrows, take up the shields!” (Jeremiah 51:11). Shéleṭ becomes a battle-cry, heralding the execution of divine judgment. Unlike David’s golden trophies, these shields are functional weapons raised in obedience to prophetic mandate. Commercial Glamour and Fragile Security Ezekiel’s lament for Tyre notes, “They hung their shields on your walls all around; they perfected your beauty” (Ezekiel 27:11). Tyre’s mercenary defenses formed an impressive façade, yet the ensuing oracle proves outward splendor insufficient without covenant allegiance. The imagery warns against trusting human fortifications (Psalm 20:7). Theological Themes 1. Divine Protection: Shéleṭ, though wielded by men, ultimately points to the Lord as “a shield around me” (Psalm 3:3). Ministry Implications • Heritage Matters: Churches and families steward testimonies of past victories—stories, hymns, even buildings—as reminders of God’s faithfulness. Shéleṭ, then, is far more than ancient armor. It is a recurring emblem of protection, honor, and covenant fidelity, calling every generation to lift up the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) in service to the true King. Forms and Transliterations הַשְּׁלָטִ֔ים הַשְּׁלָטִים֒ השלטים שִׁלְטֵ֣י שִׁלְטֵ֥י שִׁלְטֵיהֶ֞ם שלטי שלטיהם haš·šə·lā·ṭîm hashshelaTim haššəlāṭîm shilTei shilteiHem šil·ṭê šil·ṭê·hem šilṭê šilṭêhemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 8:7 HEB: דָּוִ֗ד אֵ֚ת שִׁלְטֵ֣י הַזָּהָ֔ב אֲשֶׁ֣ר NAS: David took the shields of gold which KJV: took the shields of gold INT: took David the shields of gold which 2 Kings 11:10 1 Chronicles 18:7 2 Chronicles 23:9 Songs 4:4 Jeremiah 51:11 Ezekiel 27:11 7 Occurrences |
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